If scripture is true, and God is for us, then why does it seem like he is not? I imagine that, if God were for me, my life would look much different. I would be richer, smarter and happier, my grass would never grow, and my kids would sleep at night. That is what I imagine if God were for me.
Yet there seems to be some disconnect, because I know that God is for me, but my life isn’t perfect. If I am honest, I start to wonder if it’s possible that God is not actually for me. I know the theology, I went to seminary, I have heard the sermons, and I have read Romans 8:28.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
— Romans 8:28 NIV
How does a believer rectify the truth of scripture and the reality of life? Is it possible that God being for us means that God is going to allow hardship in our lives?
Challenging situations are not a mistake; they are the plan.
God is so committed to your holiness, that he is willing to allow hardship and calamity into your life to shape you into the image of Jesus Christ. I wish that Christ-likeness came easily and naturally, but we all know that it doesn’t. Becoming like Jesus is the result of suffering and hardship. It seems that deep transformation happens in the difficult moments.
To demonstrate how committed God is to our holiness, he sent his one and only Son to suffer and die. Jesus’ suffering brought life to anyone willing to receive the free gift of salvation. So, the next time life isn’t going as planned, remember that God is still for you, and he is shaping you to become more like his Son.
God is more committed to your holiness than your happiness.